The Christian Rights Agenda (CRA) has said that the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) is controlling about 80 communities in Borno, Benue and Plateau states.

The group said on Sunday that it is watching events in Borno, Benue, Plateau and other troubled spots in Nigeria in the renewed terror attacks where the lives of Christians and other innocent Nigerians have become endangered with keen interest, stating that the occupation of ISWAP of 80 communities is behind the killings.

There have been renewed attacks in Borno, Benue and Plateau in the last three weeks, which have claimed several lives, properties, and rendered several people homeless.

These attacks, according to CRA, appear to be well coordinated and have the trappings of terrorism by insurgents who are bent on fostering a regime of violence, religious intolerance and total anarchy.

CRA, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, said “this is unacceptable,” adding that already, officials of the organisation have been sent on field operations to Benue, Plateau and Borno states to gather first-hand information on the extent of devastation suffered by Christians in the affected areas.

Preliminary report from the field indicates that over 80 communities have been taken over by the Fulani terrorists. He said his organisation is in the process of collating information to have up-to-date data on the persecution Nigerian Christians are facing, especially in northern Nigeria.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new marching order to security operatives to step up their game, CRA cautioned that such orders should go beyond their optics and ensure that the orders are followed and defaulters are sanctioned as a deterrent to other saboteurs.

The statement also cautioned State Governors not to politicise the renewed killings, but should be honourable enough to call a spade by its real name.